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  45 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG, MADE BETWEEN 1896-1907, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA, REFLECTS UTAH STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 44." x 70"
Flag Size (H x L): 31.75" x 57.75"
Description....:
45 star American national flag, made in the period between 1896 and 1907. Utah became the 45th state in 1896. It had been attempting to gain statehood for many years, but remained a territory, primarily due to the fact that the Mormon Church and Utah authorities continued to be openly tolerant of polygamy. In 1890, Mormon Church President Wilford Woodruff published a manifesto that denounced the contract of “any marriages forbidden by the law of the land”. This gave way to Utah’s 1896 acceptance. Although it remained official until July 3rd, 1908, the 45 star flag generally fell out of use in 1907, when Oklahoma joined the Union. Due to the Spanish-American War (1898) and Teddy Roosevelt’s famous world tour of the “White Fleet” (launched in 1907), this was an extremely patriotic era.

The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced by machine. The stars are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd (sewn to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. These are configured in staggered rows of 8-7-8-7-8-7, which is typical of the 45-star count. There is a sailcloth canvas binding along the hoist, with two brass grommets. Note the blue filament woven into this fabric, which aided in the visual determination of lengths of this material as it came off the bolt.

One of the flag's most attractive features is its manageable scale among those with of piece-and-sewn construction. Prior to the 1890's, flags needed to be large in order to serve well in their utilitarian function as signals. Lengths of eight feet and longer were common and a six-foot flag was considered small. At approximately 31.5 x 58 inches, this flag is smaller than most and so can be more readily framed and displayed in modern indoor setting. The colors are strong and the and condition is nothing short of remarkable for a wool flag of this period.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The background is 155% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated to reduce excess dye. The mount was placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There are minor tears at the fly end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and the 9th-12th stripes, as well as at the extreme hoist end of the 10th stripe and the middle of the 11th. There is very minor soiling and there is minor bleeding of the red dye. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 45
Earliest Date of Origin: 1896
Latest Date of Origin: 1907
State/Affiliation: Utah
War Association: 1898 Spanish American War
Price: SOLD
 

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